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​ 5 Tips for Managing Stress Levels During a Job Search

By Laura Bill on 19-07-2018

Searching for a job can be extremely stressful – whether it be a full-time role after leaving university or a part-time job to help fund your studies. Understanding how to cope with your anxieties during the process is important for your own mental health. Overwhelming stress can leave you feel physically drained and make you less motivated to push forward with your job search.

It’s time to take back control and manage your stress levels by following these 5 top tips:

1. Make time for yourself

After a full day of job hunting, you may have gotten yourself completely wound up to the point where you just can’t think of anything else. Once you’ve done all you can do within the day, it’s time to wind down and make time to do the things you enjoy. For example – go for a walk to clear your mind, listen to your favourite music or watch a good film. Although you may think it will be difficult to switch off from your worries – a little distraction can take the pressure off for a short while.

2. Chat with loved ones

Sometimes, all you need to do is have a good, long chat with those closest to you and who understand you best. Talking through your options can help you think clearer about your next steps and form a plan of some sort. When you hide away from your problems or refuse to allow others to help you, the problem can seem far worse in your own mind – when really, it may only be a small matter that can be handled.

If you’re looking to leave your current job, talking about the prospect of leaving could open up new opportunities for you; especially if one of your friends knows for a suitable job at their workplace for example.

3. Stay positive

Getting rejected from job after job is never easy – in fact, it can have detrimental impacts to your confidence if you don’t learn how you can pick yourself up from the fall. Change your negative outlook and write down all the things you’re good at, as well as what makes you stand out as an individual. Not only will you hopefully feel more confident in yourself, but you may also find some niche personal traits and skills to add to your CV.

4. Look after your health

When suffering with anxiety and stress, it can be extremely easy to forget about maintaining your physical health, which can have major impacts on your mental outlook. You should be getting plenty of sleep to help you feel revived and allow your brain to reset from the worries of the previous day. Be sure to carry out regular exercise; whether you choose to go for a jog in the park or a leisurely stroll – keeping active will drain away the negative energy and leave you feeling much more uplifted and motivated.

5. Be realistic

Last but not least, you need to be realistic about the jobs you’re applying for. Rejections may be based on the fact that you’re not suitable for the specifics of the role – therefore, don’t apply for the impossible. Also, don’t go for too many jobs all at once– perhaps select a similar selection of roles and concentrate on applying for a few at a time. Then, you can assess your progress, keep track of what you have applied for and be more aware of who you are speaking to, should you receive any replies.